Actually this tube thingy has rung a bell and a
look on Google confirms it. At college 37 years
ago the physics lecturer was waxing lyrical
about the device featured on a Tomorrows World
program on the BBC the previous evening. He was
enthusiastic about no moving parts. But I am
the awkward type (even then) and piped up "What
about the compressor?. And anyway the thing is
noisy! However..I am having thoughts about
having one on the roof guided by a wind vane.
Some nice hot air for ventilation in Winter.
And the other way round. Sorry I cannot think
of any other device, news has been suppressed.